10 Games To Play If You Love Persona 3
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10 Games To Play If You Love Persona 3
Persona 3 may inhabit a niche genre, but, for those who couldn't get enough, here are 10 similarly bonkers JRPGs to check out. Do you love living your virtual life as a Japanese High School student? Do you love summoning demons and monsters to save the world? Do you love 60+ hour JRPGs with engrossing stories and characters? If so, you've probably played the PS2 classic,. Persona 3 was the first game in the Persona series to really kick-off it's booming popularity in the west, and the series has since grown into a mainstream gaming franchise with the extremely . While you wait for the next installment in the Persona series, here's 10 games that come as close as possible to burning your dread in Persona 3. THEGAMER VIDEO OF THE DAY Persona Q
We'll get the other Persona titles out of the way first. Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth for the Nintendo 3DS is a crossover title between the cast of Persona 3 and Persona 4. The gameplay is heavily influenced by the Etrian Odyssey series, with first-person dungeon-crawling and manual map-writing. When you're not crawling through dungeons on all fours after getting rocked by frequent battles, you can enjoy a visual-novel style story with the characters of two different Persona games, which can't be anything less than charming and enjoyable. Persona 3 Dancing in Moonlight
Definitely the most obvious choice on this list, Persona 3 Dancing in Moonlight is a fast-paced, flashy rhythm game for the PS4 and PS Vita. The musical score of Persona titles is nothing short of funky, fun, and fantastic, and these games take full advantage of it. There's a huge list of your favorite Persona 3 songs to choose from, as well as ones from its sister game, Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight. Similar to , notes will fill the screen while you frantically mash your controller and get more distracted by the amazing music rather than playing the game. Catherine
Also created by the legendary Atlus, is more akin to a story-heavy dating sim and puzzle game mash-up. In the engine that Persona 5 was built on, you play as Vincent, a man with a mid-life crisis and more than a few girl issues as you're faced with tough decisions regarding Vincent's love life. The recently released Catherine: Full Body acts as an enhanced version like Persona 3: FES, with extra characters, story scenarios, and updated graphics for the PS4, making it far easier to get ahold of. Danganronpa
If the story and dialogue segments of Persona games interest you more than the gameplay, then is a perfect fit. Following a group of high school students in a twisted murder-mystery game, you'll bond with fellow students, search the school for clues, and engage in Phoenix Wright style investigations and judgments. There's no back-breakingly difficult combat here, and it's perfect if you're looking for a more laid-back experience. There are three main games in the series each clocking in at about 30 hours, so there's plenty of content to fill that anime high school shaped hole in your heart. Octopath Traveler
If more traditional turn-based RPGs are your thing, then has you covered. Released in 2018, Octopath Traveler captures the feeling of SNES style graphics with a touch of enhanced modern visuals to give it a distinct and striking look. Its combat is similar enough to Persona games in the vain of exploiting enemy weaknesses to gain the upper hand, and the vast variety of customizable gameplay styles gives the player freedom to design their own style of play. Try not to spend too long fretting over which traveler to play first, as you're already sinking your time into a 60+ hour journey. Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne
Luckily, if you're playing Persona from the PS2, its , , reached its peak on the platform. Released in 2004 in the west, Shin Megami Tensei Nocturne is the third mainline entry in the series, and it was unfortunately met with sub-par sales. Yet, that didn't stop it from receiving critical acclaim and landing it in line with some of the best JRPGs ever created. This game is brutal, unforgiving, and time-consuming. Character building takes a bit of a backseat to the world and gameplay, but, if you're willing to sink your weeks into this deep and unforgettable experience, you're in for one hell of a time. Shin Megami Tensei IV
Almost single-handedly bringing Shin Megami Tensei back from the dead and into the mainstream, SMT IV was released for the 3DS in 2013 to great success with its sales. As a Megami Tensei game, it's one of the most similar in style to Persona, as it has more emphasis on its characters than other titles. The gameplay is, again, challenging and unforgiving, and it is definitely a highlight of the experience as you wander Tokyo and fuse powerful demons. While the game can feel a bit clunky at times with traversing the overworld, the overall experience is something you won't regret. Dragon Quest VIII Journey of the Cursed King
By the end of this lengthy adventure, you'll see your party members not as walking stats or weapons, but as family. Released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, was a huge step forward for the series, featuring an expansive overworld to explore, great 3D graphics enhanced by the vibrant artwork of Akira Toriyama, and solid gameplay with engaging music. As one of the higher regarded Dragon Quest games by many, this game will suck you into its world and bring you back for more. Laying the groundwork for all JRPGs after it, Dragon Quest remains an important figure in gaming history. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE
Combining Atlus' Shin Megami Tensei franchise, and Nintendo's , Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is an interesting beast. You'll see familiar characters here if you enjoy Fire Emblem, and appreciate the game's Persona-like combat system. It's aesthetics and story elements are definitely targeted at a specific audience and might be a turn-off to some. Although, if J-POP and idols are your cups of tea, and you just so happen to like both franchises represented here, it's a perfect crossover experience that'll keep your attention for hours. Not to mention the upcoming release of Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore for the Nintendo Switch in January 2020, you'll have more than enough to satisfy you. Shin Megami Tensei Digital Devil Saga
A spin-off within the Shin Megami Tensei franchise (no not Persona, it's confusing), Digital Devil Saga takes Nocturne's and adds an extremely likable cast of characters who are also playable within battles, a unique and fascinating world with an engaging story, and a sequel if you're hungry for more. Instead of summoning demons, this time around, you are the demon, and you'll level up a skill-tree, not unlike a Final Fantasy game. The game's soundtrack is one of the greatest in the entire series, rivaling even modern Persona games. As an entry-level Shin Megami Tensei game, this is your best bet.